Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman today said they have given shelter to some influential people of the ousted Awami League government as their lives are in danger.
He also said they gave shelter to those people irrespective of their party affiliation, opinion and religion.
“If there is any allegation against them, any case is filed, they will be punished. But of course, we don’t want any attack or extrajudicial action [against them]. We have given them shelter because of the threat to their lives,” he said replying to a query.
Waker-Uz-Zaman was speaking at Rajshahi Cantonment where he met with officials of army, police, administration.
Asked about any possibility of a counter-revolution centring the month of August, the army chief said he had no knowledge of it.
Asked about any pressure from foreign nations regarding the situation, he replied in the negative.
“… this is a unique situation. Everyone understands it. There has been some discussion over the minority issue. A total of 30 minority-related attacks have taken place in 20 districts.”
He said they do not want any such incidents to take place.
“We are looking into the incidents. We will bring the criminals to book,” he added.
Speaking about the situation in Rahshahi division, Waker-Uz-Zaman said, “Nothing like this [attacks on minority community] happened in the eight districts of Rajshahi division. Such congenial atmosphere should always be maintained. We will all work together and take the country towards development.”
The army chief said, “The situation has become normal. But the police are still in trauma. Once it’s over, the police will be able to perform their duties properly again.”
“Police have already started working in different police stations. We are giving protection to the police. When they start functioning fully, the situation will become normal. Then we will return to the cantonment,” he added.
“We will provide all-out help to the government. The government wants some reform, and to hold a free and fair election. We will provide all sorts of assistance in this regard,” he said replying to another query.
The army chief said many looted arms of police have already been recovered. More will be recovered soon more in days ahead, he said.
Regarding the attack on the army men in Gopalganj, the army chief said it was nothing but a misunderstanding.
“The situation is calm there. We have talked with them. But the crime they have committed must be investigated, and those who were involved will be brought to justice,” he added.
